Opinion
Women In Politics
The idea of women playing the number two role at
home has always played itself out in issues of overall development, especially in developing nations like Nigeria. This is as a result of the sentimental attachment on feminine gender.
More often than not, men constitute a large percentage of the party membership which tends to affect women when it comes to selecting or electing candidates for elections. It also affects the opinion of women concerning the development of the nation. Being the majority in politics, the men invariably dominate the various hierarchy and are usually at advantage when it comes to influencing decision in the internal politics.
Due to the minor percentage of women participating in politics, because of socio-cultural and religious attitudes of different Nigerians societies which usually relegate to the background, just few men, even among the educated allow their wives to participate in politics.
Moreover, women constitute a large number of the illiterate group in Nigeria, due to lack of quality education faced by these women. This could be attributed to the fact that in most families , parents prefer to sponsor their sons in school instead of their female children, whom they believe will get married and incorporate into another family. In yesteryears most parents believe that training their daughters in school was a waist of money, instead strive to marry off their daughters to potential suitors. Thus the majority of girls remained uneducated and unexposed.
Another problem facing women is the issue of child bearing. The stress of fending for their children and handling any important position, usually weigh heavily on them. Either the family or the office will have to be sacrificed. Usually most women tends to let go of their jobs to build their family, seeing it as their domestic responsibility.
Also in northern Nigeria for instance, the Purdah system (house seclusion of women), is a very crucial problem faced by the northern women. This system prohibits women from partaking in any vital position in the country. That is why we have very few women from the north handling any important position all over the country.
Over the years, women aspiring to participate in politics had encountered series of sexual harassment from their male counterparts. The penalty of rejecting these advances by the men is loosing their contract or opportunities.
Despite the difficulties faced by women in politics, they continue with their political ambition, contributing enormously to the political and national development in their own way as the challenges militating against them are not present, although Nigeria is yet to have a female president.
Historical evidence are available to prove that Nigerian women have for long been playing crucial role in political life of the country. They have contributed in no small measure in shaping the political system of the nation.
For a successful development of any nation, women should be accorded a worthy position as they constitute a large population of the country. Women are known to be home builders and therefore are in the best position to build a nation.
In this regard they should not be out in the issue of decision making that bothers even on their lives as a people. They should be allowed to hold position where their potentials can come into full play.
The participation of women in politics currently is more active than ever before as a result of political reawakening and awareness. Women are gradually breaking out of the cocoon they have entangled themselves with, which is a major breakthrough for women in politics and those aspiring to play politics.
Women over the years could be said to have recorded some level of commendable achievements in the various political fields. They have succeeded in their endeavours, meeting with limited supports and resources at their disposal.
Notable women who have made impact in the country’s political scene include Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance and the cordinating Minister of the economy. She was instrumental in helping Nigeria out of several debts. Dr. Oby Ezekwesili also laid a land mark in the history of Nigerian politics.
The former boss of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Late Prof. Dora Akunyili, also performed creditably during her reign in the agency. She led the fight against adulterated pharmaceutical drugs. Her name can never be forgotten in the annals of history.
These are myriads of women in politics even presently that had done well and are still performing excellently in their various offices.
Today, many countries of the world are making efforts to bridge the gap between men and women in politics. But in Nigeria, the representation of women in government even though there is improvement more than before is still low to compare with what the developed countries have achieved through their women, Nigeria is still suffering from women discrimination.
There is no doubt that women have some potentials and rights to contribute meaningfully to the development of their country.
Therefore, Nigerian government should work towards achieving gender equality in democratic governance to increase women participation and access to politics.
It must be realized that the role of women as home makers cannot be overemphasized in that it equally has an extended impact on their responsibility in service.
Women have overcome these obstacles with great acclaim and often to the benefit of society at large, but women as a whole, the playing field needs to level opening opportunities for all.
Government should advocate for legislation and constitutional reforms to ensure women have access to political spheres, as voters, candidates, elected officials and civil servants.
Iragunima, a journalist, writes from Port Harcourt.
Benice Iragunima
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.